Toilet and shower chair for the disabled

ABSTRACT

The toilet and shower chair for the disabled is a medical appliance that enables a disabled person to perform toilet and shower functions safely without assistance from an escort. The chair has a frame that includes legs, armrests, a backrest portion, and a centrally positioned seating portion. A showerhead overlies the seating portion. Multiple spraying devices are arranged on the backrest portion for applying water and a water/soap mixture to a user&#39;s back. The legs of the chair are vertically adjustable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to medical appliances, and particularly to a toilet and shower chair for the disabled that assists a disabled person to perform toilet and shower functions.

2. Description of the Related Art

Persons having limited ambulatory abilities often experience extreme difficulty when attempting to perform routine bathroom functions, such as using the toilet or taking a shower. Attaining a secure perch on a commode or fording a steady stance on the soap-slippery floor of a shower stall or tub can sometimes be precarious for even the most agile. This scenario may prove perilous for a disabled person. Currently, the marketplace abounds with related art devices designed to aid the disabled to perform routine bathroom functions, such as using the toilet or taking shower. Unfortunately, the aforementioned devices lack versatility and are somewhat complex. Many of the related art devices require assistance from an aide or caregiver. The medical arts would welcome a device that would allow a disabled person to perform certain bathroom functions in a safe and effective manner without needing personal assistance. Thus, a toilet and shower chair for the disabled solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The toilet and shower chair for the disabled is a medical appliance that enables a disabled person to perform toilet and shower functions safely without assistance from an escort. The chair has a frame that includes legs, arm rests, a backrest portion and a centrally positioned seating portion. A shower head overlies the seating portion. Multiple spraying devices are arranged on the backrest portion for applying water and/or a water/soap mixture to a user's back. The legs of the chair are vertically adjustable.

Accordingly, the invention presents a unique chair that allows a disabled person a measure of independence when using the toilet or taking a shower. The chair is easy to use and incorporates features that are controllable by a remote device. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a toilet and shower chair for the disabled according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the toilet and shower chair of FIG. 1, showing details of the seat portion.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the toilet and shower chair of FIG. 1, shown with the removable positioner cushion in place.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the toilet and shower chair for the disabled is generally indicated at 10. The chair 10 is adapted for use with a mobile transport assembly T, shown in phantom lines. Mooring devices (not shown) may be provided to secure the transport assembly T to the chair 10. The transport assembly T is fully disclosed and claimed in the present inventor's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/762,263, filed Feb. 7, 2013, and is not part of the presently claimed invention.

The chair 10 includes a frame that comprises a backrest portion 12, a seat member 14 and side arms 16, 18. A plurality of legs 20 support the frame in an elevated position. The legs 20 are vertically adjustable to permit the frame to be positioned at different heights. This arrangement allows the chair 10 to be adaptable to commodes C having different vertical dimensions, and permits disabled persons P of different heights to comfortably use the chair 10. Respective suction cup-type foot members 20 a are provided at the lower end of each leg member 20 to enhance traction on slippery surfaces. A showerhead assembly 22 extends upward from the backrest portion 12 and is positioned to overlie the seat member 14. The showerhead assembly 22 is also vertically adjustable to accommodate persons of different heights. An array of spraying devices 24 is arranged on the backrest portion 12 for providing liquid spray to the back and underarms of a seated disabled person. The seat member 14 is formed as a shallow receptacle having an open top and a bottom wall 14 a. The bottom wall 14 a is provided with an opening 14 b therein, whereby wastes and fluids may flow from the seat 14 into a commode C, or to the floor (not shown) of a bath or shower stall. A spray nozzle 14 c opens into the seat for supplying fluids thereto to assist in washing wastes from the bottom wall 14 a of the seat 14. Side arms 16, 18 are equipped with cushioning members 16 a, 18 a to enhance comfort. A front spray nozzle 26 is positioned to spray fluids to the lower and other hard-to-reach areas of the body of a seated, disabled person. A hose 28 is connectable to an outlet (not shown), whereby cleansing water can be supplied via tubing 30 to the various spray nozzles and the shower head assembly 22. Control means 32 are mounted on one of the side arms 16, 18 for regulating flow through the tubing 30 to the various spray nozzles and the shower head assembly 22. As best seen in FIG. 3, a removable cushioning assembly 34 can be positioned on the seat 14 to enhance comfort and provide stabilization for the disabled person when seated.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A toilet and shower chair for the disabled, comprising: a seat member having an upper surface and an undersurface; cushioned, spaced sidearm members positioned on the upper surface of the seat member: a shallow receptacle formed in a central portion of the seat member, the shallow receptacle having an open top and a bottom wall, the bottom wall having an opening therein, a spray nozzle positioned in the shallow receptacle adjacent the opening for spraying fluids to enhance cleaning of the bottom wall; a backrest member attached to the seat member and extending vertically upward from the upper surface of the seat member; a plurality of spray devices attached to the backrest member and being disposed within the vertical boundary of the seat member, the plurality of spray devices being disposed at distinct vertical heights within the vertical boundary of the seat member, for directing fluid flow to the lower back of the user; a showerhead assembly attached to the backrest member and extending vertically upward therefrom, the showerhead assembly having an outlet overlying the seat member; control means positioned on one of the cushioned sidearms for regulating fluid flow; and a plurality of leg members attached to the undersurface of the seat member and extending vertically downward therefrom; wherein each of the plurality of legs are vertically adjustable, and have respective lower ends, each lower end having a suction cup foot.
 2. The toilet and shower chair according to claim 1, wherein said showerhead assembly is vertically adjustable. 3-9. (canceled)
 10. The toilet and shower chair according to claim 1, further including a spray nozzle positioned adjacent the front edge of said seat member for spraying fluids to lower and other hard-to-reach areas of the body of a seated, disabled person. 11-12. (canceled)
 13. The toilet and shower chair according to claim 1, further including: a hose and tubing assembly for connecting spray devices, the showerhead assembly, the first spray nozzle, and the second spray nozzle to a source of cleansing fluids; wherein the control means for regulating fluid flow through the hose and tubing assembly, and being easily accessible.
 14. (canceled) 